This and that with ward 97 councillor, André Beetge

WARD 97 councillor André Beetge gives a detailed report and feedback on various projects taking place in the ward, as well as challenges that he is working hand in hand with the community to sort out.

ALSO READ: A call to keep Toti streets clean

Street lights

Street light repairs remain a constant challenge with outages across the city. Despite empty promises from the department, only an apparent 28 individuals remain dedicated to this task although lights repaired are often vandalised again within 24 – 48 hours, making this an almost impossible task to complete. Residents are, however, requested to continue reporting with clear information of the street, suburb and all affected pole numbers as we attempt to secure additional attention to the southern wards.

Infrastructure theft

The electricity department in particular is being burdened by infrastructure theft which has resulted in a city wide shortage of all cable. This was also evident in the Adams/ Kingsway and Lewis roads intersection traffic signals that remained non-operational for a full three weeks in anticipation of cable delivery. Albeit that this has now been resolved, the department is fi nding it almost impossible to catch up with the backlog and cable faults of November 2021 are still being repaired as and when cable arrives in store – however often to be stolen again within days of replacement.

Road surfacing in Winklespruit and Warner Beach

As reported numerous times, the installation of new water infrastructure from Winklespruit into Warner Beach is a long term phased project and residents are once again requested to exercise both caution and patience as the much needed new pipes are installed in line with available resources.

Repairs to N2

Following various requests and site meetings, Sanral is currently attending repairs to the compromised N2 surface along the northern carriageway. We are currently awaiting funding confirmation to repair fencing in the Take & Pay area.

Refuse removal

Despite the municipality investing heavily in new refuse compactors from reputable sources, all units remain challenged with what appears similar electrical and hydraulic problems which often hamper daily collection schedules. We stand informed that senior management is in discussion with suppliers to rectify the situation as it likewise to residents, frustrates officials when refuse has to be rebagged once ripped by dogs or monkeys.

Ward committee elections in March

In a constitutional democracy as that of South Africa, legislation accommodates for citizens to be participative in the governmental system. As such, it facilitates the formation of ward committees that in turn align with local government standing committees to enhance two way communication between government and citizens. This has, however, always remained rather flawed across the entire municipality and then largely as a result of political interference, as opposed to instead facilitate and align existing community groupings or structures with the requirements.

Despite various workshops and long winded interaction with various government departments to rather accept this model, as opposed to the proven to fail on the day off the floor nominations, the governing party (assisted in their action by minority parties) decided to use the same recipe that has caused the cake to flip time after time. Arguments that stable structures don’t exist in all wards seem to negate the fact that it is essentially the only way to guarantee success, as it would accommodate for individuals who are already involved in or leading or have the support of structures to represent their interest in a ward committee structure.

Over the next three weeks and leading up to this term’s ward committee elections in March, we will be explaining the role of the ward committee, the importance nominating and electing the correct people untainted political affiliation, the requirements participation and the demographic composition to ensure meaningful participation.    

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